L NOW pooboo Pro C580 Indoor Cycling Bike

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Flywheel weight	Resistance	Fitness meter
L NOW C580 Check Discounted Price	L:49" W:20.4" H:41.3"	280 lbs	40 lbs	Friction	Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, Pulse, SCAN

If you’re looking for a top-quality alternative to an authentic spin bike such as the Spinner S7 or Star Trac Spinner Blade, the L NOW brand name should be on your list. There are at least a few solid exercise bike models under this brand name to fit this profile, and one of them is the L NOW pooboo Pro C580. This trainer not only features a heavy-duty construction and a heavy flywheel, it’s also equipped with a fitness meter, which many other trainers do not include.

Key Features & Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 41.3L x 20.4W x 49H inches (105L x 52W x 124H cm)
• Assembled weight: 103.6 lbs (47 kg)
• Flywheel weight: 40 lbs (18 kg)
• Supported weight: 330 lbs (150 kg)
• Handlebars: 2-way adjustable
• Seat: 4-way adjustable
• Pedals: With toe cages
• Drive: Belt
• Resistance: Friction
• Computer: Time, speed, distance, calories, and pulse
• Warranty: 1 year limited

Frame construction

The pooboo Pro C580 features a heavy-duty V-frame construction, similar to the Body-Solid Endurance ESB250. It made of thick, ovalized steel tubing, boasting an overall weight of ~104 lbs (47 kg). This weight provides high stability; you can be sure that the unit won’t wobble or change position even if you engage in the most demanding spin workouts. Plus, its base bars are equipped with adjustable stabilizers that have rubber pads. These give you the possibility to perfectly level the unit on any type of floor, and there’s no need for the usage of an additional mat.

Despite its weight, the bike isn’t too difficult to move and handle. Its front base has a set of large transport wheels. So, by using these wheels when relocating the bike, you won’t be handling more than 40% of its total weight.

The fully assembled bike isn’t extremely large. Its footprint is 41″L x 20.4″W (105 x 52 cm). However, it’s recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around the unit for safe access and usage. Also, its highest point is approx. 49″ (124 cm) above floor level, given by the top of the handlebar.

The longitudinal base bar that connects the two short stabilizer bars is curved in the middle. This not only improves the unit’s overall sturdiness, but it also adds a more aesthetic touch.

The main frame of this pooboo exercise bike is double-coated with an abrasion-resistant and corrosion-resistant paint finish. The main color used is red, this being the only color available for this bike model. The seat post, the handlebar post, and the flywheel are chrome-plated, though.

The bike’s construction does integrate several ABS parts as well. Among them, we can count the belt cover, the brake pad cover, and a few other small covers. This, however, only fulfill a protective and cosmetic role, and do not reduce the bike’s overall sturdiness.

Seat & handlebars

The L NOW C580 indoor cycling trainer is equipped with a slim saddle featuring a high-density foam top. It also has a longitudinal groove which promotes a healthy blood circulation during seated workouts. Nonetheless, the seat connection system to the adjustment slider is standard (collar type). This being said, you can find a compatible replacement for it in any bike store, in case you want a different model.

The seat is 4-way adjustable (up, down, back, forth). Its upright bar features several adjustment notches while its horizontal slider also offers a few inches of front-back adjustment. This being said, the bike can accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’4″ (153 – 193 cm) with no problem, delivering a complete leg extension. The seat assembly is also durable enough to support users up to 330 lbs (150 kg).

This pooboo indoor cycling bike is equipped with a multi-grip handlebar. It integrates a set of curved aero bars that promote a comfortable race grip. The section between the aero bars is connected; the section that connects the two aero bars can serve as a phone holder, tablet holder, or you can connect a bottle holder to it.

The sidebars integrate grip pulse sensors. Therefore, by holding on to them, the bike’s exercise meter can monitor your heart rate.

The whole handlebar assembly is covered by a layer of thick rubber foam material. Therefore, it delivers a comfortable and secure grip. And finally, the handlebar can only be adjusted up and down, offering a few inches of adjustment. It doesn’t have a horizontal slider as the seat.

Drive & resistance

Like most spin bikes, the pooboo C580 is equipped with a perimeter-weighted flywheel. This type of flywheel construction is designed to deliver an aggressive inertia, and help you reach high RPMs quickly.

The flywheel weighs 40 lbs (18 kg), which is a mid-range weight for a spin bike flywheel. Other models, such as the Sunny SF-B1516 for example, have heavier flywheels. But nonetheless, this flywheel offers quite an intense momentum. It also offers the possibility to pedal in reverse.

The bike is equipped with a belt drive system. It uses a poly-V belt, which is highly durable and stretch resistant. As a general idea, a belt drive comes with three main advantages. One, you don’t have to lubricate it, two, it generates almost no noise, and three, it generates less vibration than a chain which results in a smoother pedaling motion.

Since it’s an exercise bike made for spin workouts, it features a heavy-duty crankset. Its crank arms are made of solid steel and should be able to support any user up to 330 lbs (150 kg) for any spin workouts, including standing up pedaling routines. The pedals are also metallic. They only have toe cages, though; there are no cleats on them for spin shoes. However, their threads are standard and you can always find compatible replacements for them.

The pooboo C580 is equipped with a friction resistance system. It consists of a long leather pad attached to the main bar of the frame and to the tension knob on this bar. By turning the knob clockwise, the brake pad applies friction to the flywheel from the top part, which increases the pedaling tension.

Since the bike isn’t magnetic, the tension knob doesn’t have any settings marked on it. You can basically tighten it to the point you can no longer pedal. It also works as an emergency brake; you can press it down to immediately stop the flywheel if needed.

Exercise meter

The included fitness meter is a basic model. It features an LCD display that tracks the main workout metrics, including time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse. Evidently, the unit is not telemetric. Therefore, in order to benefit from a pulse reading, you can only use the EKG sensors mounted into the handlebars. The unit cannot read your pulse via an HR chest strap transmitter.

The meter is very easy to use. To begin with, it is battery powered, so you don’t need to connect it to a wall socket. It only has one button which toggles ON/OFF the unit’s SCAN function. With the SCAN function set ON, the workout metrics are shown in a sequence, each one appearing on the display for a few seconds. By pressing the button, you can toggle the SCAN mode OFF, and select one of the values that interests you the most to be shown on the display at all times. Also, by pressing and holding the button down for a few seconds will reset all the values to zero.

The meter starts up when you begin pedaling or when you press the button. It also has a battery save mode, to which will enter if it doesn’t detect any activity on the bike for more than 4 minutes.

Assembly & Maintenance

The core of the bike comes pre-assembled. You only have to add the seat post, the seat, the handlebar post, the handlebar, the base stabilizers, the pedals, and the console. This shouldn’t take more than an hour. Some of the needed tools are included. Also, the manual provides pretty clear assembly instructions.

Since the bike is equipped with a belt-drive, its transmission doesn’t require lubrication. However, its brake pad may need a bit of silicone lubricant from time to time, especially if it squeaks when in contact with the flywheel. Other than this, you only have to check the bike for loose joints and parts from time to time, to avoid any accidents or further damage.

The Pros

• Sturdy, steel construction;
• High weight capacity – 330 lbs 150 kg);
• Appealing design;
• Bases with adjustable stabilizers;
• Extra comfortable seat for an indoor cycle, featuring a thick layer of padding, contoured surface and a longitudinal groove to promote a healthy blood circulation;
• Heavy, 40 lbs flywheel with a perimeter-weighted design;
• Heavy-duty crank, able to support any user up to the maximum listed weight, in upright pedaling position;
• Metallic pedals with toe cages for foot stability;
• 4-way adjustable seat;
• 2-way adjustable handlebar; 
• Multi-grip handlebar with long aero bars;
• Pulse sensors integrated into the handlebar;
• Tablet support included;
• Fitness meter included – it can track time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
• Quiet operation, great for apartment use;
• Really easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance required.

The Cons

• No bottle holder.

Summary

The L NOW pooboo Pro C580 is a heavy-duty indoor cycling trainer equipped with a friction resistance system, belt drive, and a 40 lbs flywheel. It has a highly durable frame which can support users up to 330 lbs (150 kg). It also includes a basic fitness meter, an accessory that many other bike models, even the more expensive ones, do not have. In all, it’s a great bike for light to intense cardio training, interval training, muscle toning, strength and stamina development, and weight loss. It’s not one of the most affordable bikes but does offer an excellent value for the price.